Superfoods - Amaranth
By Susan L Morris
Amaranth is an exceptionally nutritionally beneficial grain which provides between 75% and 85% of our daily requirements. Both the grain which is cooked and eaten or ground into flour and the young leaves which can be prepared like spinach can be used to add variety to your diet of healthy foods. Amaranth is high in protein and contains the amino acid, lysine. It has 3 times the fiber and 5 times the iron of wheat and has high amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.
So what do all these nutrients do? Lysine is not manufactured by the body which makes it an essential amino acid; it is one of the building blocks for protein and collagen and helps the body to absorb calcium. Studies indicate that lysine may be helpful in the prevention of cold sores caused by the herpes virus; it may also help to reduce anxiety. Protein helps the body build muscle. Fiber has many properties useful to body functioning including stabilizing glucose and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may help to lower uric acid in the blood, relieving the symptoms of gout. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant and is important for several body processes including vision, embryonic development and reproduction, as well as skin, bone and cellular health. Calcium helps to build strong bones, potassium helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte levels in the blood and is important to brain and nerve functions. Phosphorus is an important element for creating the structural framework of DNA and RNA.
Amaranth flour is perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. It makes an excellent hot breakfast or side dish, great addition to soups and salads. I have read that it can even be popped like pop-corn, although I have yet to succeed with that. To make 1 cup of amaranth, boil 1 cup of water then add the amaranth grain. Turn the fire down so that if gently simmers for 20 minutes. This makes a dry solid side dish or breakfast cereal. Add butter or top with fruit to complement its slightly nutty flavor. If you prefer a more porridge-like consistency you can increase the water to 3 to 1 and boil for 30 minutes. Once cooked you can also substitute it for rice, bulgur, quinoa, or other grains in your recipes. You can also try substituting or adding the raw grain for breading to add an interesting taste and texture.
As the demand for amaranth is not high you will have to find it at health food or organic markets. You can also purchase it online. You should store amaranth in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If you choose to grind your own flour grind it as needed as once any grain is broken down it begins to oxidize.
Amaranth is an exceptionally nutritionally beneficial grain which provides between 75% and 85% of our daily requirements. Both the grain which is cooked and eaten or ground into flour and the young leaves which can be prepared like spinach can be used to add variety to your diet of healthy foods. Amaranth is high in protein and contains the amino acid, lysine. It has 3 times the fiber and 5 times the iron of wheat and has high amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.
So what do all these nutrients do? Lysine is not manufactured by the body which makes it an essential amino acid; it is one of the building blocks for protein and collagen and helps the body to absorb calcium. Studies indicate that lysine may be helpful in the prevention of cold sores caused by the herpes virus; it may also help to reduce anxiety. Protein helps the body build muscle. Fiber has many properties useful to body functioning including stabilizing glucose and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may help to lower uric acid in the blood, relieving the symptoms of gout. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant and is important for several body processes including vision, embryonic development and reproduction, as well as skin, bone and cellular health. Calcium helps to build strong bones, potassium helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte levels in the blood and is important to brain and nerve functions. Phosphorus is an important element for creating the structural framework of DNA and RNA.
Amaranth flour is perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. It makes an excellent hot breakfast or side dish, great addition to soups and salads. I have read that it can even be popped like pop-corn, although I have yet to succeed with that. To make 1 cup of amaranth, boil 1 cup of water then add the amaranth grain. Turn the fire down so that if gently simmers for 20 minutes. This makes a dry solid side dish or breakfast cereal. Add butter or top with fruit to complement its slightly nutty flavor. If you prefer a more porridge-like consistency you can increase the water to 3 to 1 and boil for 30 minutes. Once cooked you can also substitute it for rice, bulgur, quinoa, or other grains in your recipes. You can also try substituting or adding the raw grain for breading to add an interesting taste and texture.
As the demand for amaranth is not high you will have to find it at health food or organic markets. You can also purchase it online. You should store amaranth in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If you choose to grind your own flour grind it as needed as once any grain is broken down it begins to oxidize.